2. *The All-Important Query Letter / Deanna R. Adams (Business, F/N): Writing a good query letter is an art, and one you’ll need to perfect if sending your work to an agent or traditional publisher. Deanna will help you get it done!

3.What's the Real Story and How to Get It / Mike Olszewski (N): With this veteran writer’s help, explore different research methods and learn how to get the real story you need for that nonfiction article or book.

1:45-2:45 p.m.Q & A PANEL: FIRST PAGE CRITIQUE: Panelists Elizabeth Kaplan, Renee Rosen, Claire McMillan. Submit the First Page of your WIP (prose only, fiction or nonfiction) on conference morning. Submissions must be double-spaced, Times New Roman-12, with Title/Genre]. Each panelist will raise a hand at the point where they would stop reading. Then will comment on what stopped them. *Pages will be randomly selected.

2. * Revise & Edit Like a Pro / Renee Rosen (Craft): Explore the importance of editing and revision, how to effectively polish your work and get it in tip-top shape for submitting to agents and editors.

3.The Benefits of Blogging/ Jill Grunenwald(Business,): Learn how blogging can help you engage with your readers and the best ways to create valuable and memorable content

9:40-10:20 a.m. - Keynote Speaker: Brian Klems. "GETTING PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S WORLD: 10 TIPS TO MAKE YOU A WRITER AGENTS AND PUBLISHERS WANT": Brian A. Klems (@BrianKlems), a graduate of the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, is the senior online editor of WritersDigest.com and author of the bestselling book, Oh Boy, You're Having a Girl: A Dad's Guide to Raising Daughters (Adams Media). His blog, The Writer's Dig -- which covers everything writing and publishing -- is one of the fastest growing blogs in the writing community. Brian has been a part of the Writer's Digest family since 2003 and has overseen the launch of all the Writer's Digest blogs as well as helped Writer's Digest become a vibrant member of the social media community.

Note: Sessions with an asterisk (*) include a writing exercise.

10:30-11:30a.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1.* Public Speaking For Writers / Ray McNiece (Business): Learn simple techniques for reading your work to a live audience from a master performance poet. Practice reading your work and get feedback.

2. *Revising Your Work / Deanna R. Adams (Craft): Learn how to see your work through an editor’s eyes, and start revising your work today! Writing exercise included.

3.Let’s Get Cozy: Writing the Popular Who-Done-It / Amanda Flower(Fiction): Learn what it takes to make your cozy stand out from the rest and get the attention it deserves.

Lex Hupertz of Write Now Publishing offers a range of editing services from developmental and line editing through proofreading

11:45 AM-12:45 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. * Getting Rid of Your Internal Censor / Barbara Snow (Craft): Do you still hear that self-doubting voice that makes you question your talent as a writer? Barbara will help hush that voice inside and make you realize that Yes! You are a Writer!

2. * Agents: When You Need One, When You Don’t / Deanna R. Adams (Publishing): Deanna will take you through the steps of pitching your book to an agent, and also how to get published without one. Query letter writing included.

3.Writing for the Young Adult Market / JT Dutton (Fiction): Explore what it means to “sound fifteen” and develop a coming-of-age voice that readers will love and remember.

1:45-2:45 p.m.Q & A PANEL: FIRST PAGE CRITIQUE: Panelists Deanna Adams, Brian Klems, and Claire McMillan. Submit the First Page of your WIP on conference morning. Submissions must be double-spaced, Times New Roman-12, with Title/Genre]. Each panelist will raise a hand at the point where they would stop reading. Then will comment on what stopped them. *Pages will be randomly selected.

3:00-4:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:1. Beware! Don’t Get Fooled Again / Steve Grant(Business/Publishing): Learn about how to deal with the traditional publishing world, and protect yourself from unscrupulous companies in the self-publishing world.

2. * Point of View: It’s Not Just Who Tells the Story / Shelley Costa (Fiction): Explore the special features of the most common points of view, and, aside from the nuts and bolts of narration, consider each point of view and its meaning.

3. * Dialogue Do’s / Claire McMillan. With CCPL’s new Writer in Residence, Simon & Schuster author Claire McMillan, take a close look at how best to use dialogue to deepen character and serve plot.

Deanna R. Adams is an author of both nonfiction and fiction books, and the coordinator of the Western Reserve Writers Conference. Her website is, www.deannaadams.com. Session Title - Revising Your Work: Learn how to see your work through an editor’s eyes, and start revising your work today! Writing exercise included.Session Title - AGENTS: WHEN YOU NEED ONE, WHEN YOU DON’T: When it comes to traditional publishing, you don’t always need to get an agent. Deanna will take you through the steps of pitching your book to an agent—including writing a good query letter—and how to get published without an agent.

Shelley Costa is the author of four mystery novels; the latest is A Killer's Guide to Good Works. Both an Edgar and Agatha Award nominee, Shelley teaches fiction writing at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Her website is, www.shelleycosta.com. Session Title – POINT OF VIEW: IT’S NOT JUST WHO TELLS THE STORY: Why is point of view one of the most important choices you'll make before you even begin to write your story? If you're writing a family saga, what can first person point of view do for you? Or third? Or multiple? What if you're writing a romance, or a mystery? Explore the special features of the most common points of view—and consider whether, aside from the nuts and bolts of narration, each point of view carries its own meaning.

JT Dutton is an assistant professor of English and Creative Writing at Hiram College and the author of two novels for teens. Session Title - WRITING FOR THE YOUNG ADULT MARKET:An intimate and confessional point of view and strong voice are the hallmarks of good Young Adult fiction. A teen narrator should convey relatable characteristics of adolescence including cynicism, rebellion, attachment to the new, and growing self-awareness. Explore what it means to “sound fifteen” and develop a coming-of-age voice that readers will love and remember.

Amanda Flower is a national bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author. She also writes mysteries as USA Today bestselling author, Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is librarian in Northeast Ohio. Session Title - LET’S GET COZY: WRITING THE POPULAR WHO-DONE-IT: Do you love traditional and cozy mysteries? Do you want to know how to write a popular mystery and create a series that will grab the attention of both agents and editors? Learn what it takes to make your cozy stand out from the rest and the get the attention it deserves.

Steve Grant is an intellectual property attorney with Standley Law Group, where he practices patent, trademark and copyright law. Additionally, Steve is an adjunct professor at the Capital University Law School, where he teaches intellectual property law and patent law. He is a popular and frequent speaker at this conference, and addresses issues of matters concerning writers."Session Title - WRITERS BEWARE! DON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN: Whether you self-publish, or go the traditional route, you need to know how to protect yourelf and your rights. Come and learn how to deal with today's publishing world.

Ray McNiece is the author of nine books of poems and monologues, most recently Love Song for Cleveland, a collaboration with photographer Tim Lachina. The Orlando Sentinel reporting on Ray’s solo show at the Fringe Festival called him “a modern day descendant of Woody Guthrie. He has a way with words and a wry sense of humor.” He toured Russia with Yevgeny Yevtushenko where he appeared on Good Morning, Russia and performed at the Moscow Polytech, the Russian Poets’ Hall of Fame where he was dubbed ‘the American Mayakovski. He toured in Italy twice with Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Session Title – PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR WRITERS: Interested in presenting your writing, but not sure where to start? This presentation is for anyone who reads aloud and will cover aspects of performance drawn from drama, storytelling, stand-up comedy and improv. Participants will learn simple techniques for performing their work and have the chance to read their work and get feedback. For all genres.

Barbara Snow - She teaches, she writes, and she cooks - but not always in that order. Barbara is Adjunct Faculty at Tri-C and teaches at Chautauqua Institution; she has reported events for the News Herald and the Associated Press; and she cooks with kids, adults, and University Hospital's Five Star Sensation. Session Title – GET RID OF YOUR INTERNAL CENSOR: Do you hear that little voice inside your head (and maybe even your heart) when you sit down to write? The one says "Who do you think you are, a writer?" This class will help hush that voice and help you realize yes, you are a writer. There will be writing practices in class, so bring your favorite writing tools.

2016 Conferences and Retreats

Write-in-The-Country Autumn Conference/Retreat

Saturday, October 22, 2016 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Find your Muse in this beautiful Bed & Breakfast Inn, The Red Maple Inn, located in Burton, Ohio—directly in the heart of Amish country during the most beautiful time of the year!

Deanna Adams is your host for a day filled with motivation, education, and creation in a majestic autumn atmosphere. Stay the day—or the night, too!

3:45 – 4:15 p.m.: SPECIAL DISCUSSION: Q &A: Tips on Agents. What You Need to Know

4:15 – 5:00 p.m.: Social Hour, Appetizers, Final Thoughts

*All Day Conference: $125.

*Conference and Overnight Stay (includes Country Breakfast): Single Room: $260 – a $30 savings for both! Share a Room: $199 per person.

*Sorry, no refund after October 15, 2016*

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS:

Keynote Speaker, Don Bruns, is a USA Today bestselling author currently celebrating his 14th published novel, Casting Bones. Discovered by mystery writer, Sue Grafton, Bruns has a checkered past. A musician/songwriter, advertising executive, cook, painter, novelist and traveler, he has yet to decide what he wants to do when he grows up. Enjoy the adventure as Bruns discusses his “Adventures From The Road.” Visit www.donbrunsbooks.com

Vivian Wagner teaches English at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. Her work has appeared in Creative Nonfiction, The Atlantic, Narratively, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Zone 3, Silk Road Review, The Ilanot Review, and other publications. She's also the author of a memoir, Fiddle: One Woman, Four Strings, and 8,000 Miles of Music (Citadel-Kensington). Visit www.vivianwagner.net. Workshop Description -The Lyric Essay: The lyric essay is a hybrid, experimental form of personal nonfiction writing. It can be braided or segmented, or it can take the form of a list, a recipe, a series of fortune cookies, a map, or just about anything else you can imagine. Vivian will show examples of lyric essays, and help you do some lyrical writing of your own.

Scott Lax is an award-winning novelist, short story writer, producer, nonfiction writer, playwright and writing teacher. Scott was a Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference Fellow in Nonfiction, a Sewanee Writers Conference Fellow in Fiction, and named “Midwest Filmmaker of the Year” by the Cleveland International Film Festival. Scott teaches screenwriting at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Visit at www.scottlax.com. Workshop Description -Shades of Gray: Creating Believable Heroes and Villains: Scott shares how he creates heroes and villains, and characters in between, by imbuing them with a full range of unique qualities and characteristics, actions and emotions. (These techniques may also be applied to real people in nonfiction, so essayists and memoirists will also benefit.) This workshop will help you create memorable characters and help ignite your story.

Manuscript Evaluation Times: Meet in Library

10:00 – 10:15 a.m.

11:30 – 11:45 a.m.

11:45 – 12:00 p.m.

2:00 – 2:15 p.m.

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.

REGISTER TODAY TO SECURE YOUR SPOT! Email Deanna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for all payment details.

*REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 1 AND GET YOUR NAME IN A DRAWING FOR A PREARRANGED EDITING SESSION WITH AN EDITOR DURING THE CONFERENCE. The eight winners will be notified by email in the first full week of September.

John will share what he learned from his friendship with noted American writer and editor William Zinsser, author of On Writing Well, among others. John is an Emmy award-winning writer, journalist and marketing communicator.

Note: Sessions with an asterisk (*) include a writing exercise.

10:15-11:15a.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. *Organizing Your Novel / Julie Anne Lindsey: Get a crash course in novel know-how from a writer who has published short stories, novellas and 16 novels.2. Self-Publish Your Memoir / Sandy Petrovic: Sandy takes you step-by-step through her process and experience self-publishing a book with her son David about autism and Tourette's syndrome.3. *Research/Writing the Nonfiction Book / Gail Bellamy: Find out how to organize your research, use background material and define your market with Gail Bellamy, PhD, a veteran magazine editor with seven books of poetry and nonfiction.

11:15-11:30 a.m. -BREAK & PREARRANGED EDITING SESSIONSJudy Allen edits manuscripts for suspense, coming-of-age, short stories, children's, romance, sports, self-help and social commentary titles.Diane Campbell Taylor is a longtime writing coach and editor whose goal is to help others take their writing to the next level.

11:30 AM-12:30 p.m. -BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. *Draft a Winning Query Letter / Deanna R. Adams: Bring a paragraph describing your book and get help writing the all-important query letter from Deanna, the coordinator of this conference and award-winning writer, instructor, and author of both fiction and nonfiction.2. About Contracts & Copyright Issues / Steve Grant: Questions about copyright and contracts? Bring them to this session and get answers from Steve Grant, an intellectual property attorney with Standley Law Group.3. *Your Story Can Save a Life! / Nicole Eva Fraser: Nicole, a ghostwriter and author of two novels, will share some of her story, along with those who have saved her with their stories, and tell you how yours can benefit others, too.

1. Perfecting Your First Pages / Deanna Adams: Deanna, the coordinator of this conference, will discuss how to engage your reader from the first sentence.2. Why a Writers Group? / Diane Taylor: An experienced writing coach and editor, Diane will offer tips on how to find a writers' group or start your own.3. Benefits of Writers Retreats / Steve FitzGerald: Steve, a writing coach and editor, will introduce several affordable writers retreats in Ohio that can help further your writing projects.

2:45-3:00 p.m. - BREAK & PREARRANGED EDITING SESSIONS

Judy Allen and Diane Campbell Taylor (see description at 11:15 AM).

3:00-4:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS, choose one:

1. *Editing Your Manuscript / Diane Taylor. From plot structure to punctuation and grammar, editor Diane Taylor discusses how to identify and address common manuscript problems.2. How NOT to Write for Free / Sandra Gurvis. Get up to speed and boost your freelance income. Sandra has written 16 commercially published books and hundreds of magazine articles.3. *Using Red Herrings in Mystery Writing / Les Roberts. Learn about mystery, conflict, and how to use red herrings to amp up your story. Les Roberts as written 31 books, six screenplays, and written or produced thousands of network and syndicated television shows.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Journalist/Writer, John Ettorre is an Emmy award-winning writer, journalist and marketing communicator. His journalism has appeared in more than 100 print and online publications, including the New York Times and Christian Science Monitor. He has also provided content marketing services to nearly a dozen Fortune 500 companies. A member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, he has spoken on writing at dozens of colleges, professional organizations and the national Society of Professional Journalists convention.

Deanna R. Adams is the coordinator of this conference, and award-winning writer, instructor, and author of both fiction and nonfiction books. She is also director of several annual writers’ retreats. Her latest book, The Writer’s GPS: A Guide to Writing & Selling Your Book,will be available at the conference. Course Description: DRAFT A WINNING QUERY LETTER – Writing a professional query letter is not as easy as it may look. In one page, you must describe your book in a concise and attention-grabbing way to spark an agent or editor’s interest. Deanna has written many a query, and will help you write yours. Bring a paragraph describing your book. Panel Description: PERFECTING YOUR FIRST PAGES – Discussion on how to make your story, fiction or nonfiction, start out with a bang—or at least something that will engage your reader from that first sentence on.

Gail Bellamy, PhD, is a veteran magazine editor with seven published books, including two poetry collections. Her nonfiction works include Cleveland Food Memories, Cleveland Christmas Memories and Cleveland Summertime Memories, and Design Spirits—an international book on restaurant, bar and nightclub design. Her articles, essays and creative writing have appeared in more than 100 publications. Course Description: RESEARCHING AND WRITING THE NONFICTION BOOK - Find out how to organize your research, use background material, define your market. Explore available resources for photos, reference tips, interviewing tips, establishing a production schedule, and ways to structure your book.

Steve FitzGerald is a successful writing coach (OhioWritingCoach.com) and award-winning editor. He has been leading small group and private, individual writing retreats since launching IslandWritersClub.com in 2009.Panel Description: BENEFITS OF WRITERS’ RETREATS - If you want to make serious progress with your writing project, consider getting away a few days for a group or individual writing retreat! Steve FitzGerald will introduce several affordable writers retreats that are right here in Ohio.

Nicole Eva Fraser is a ghostwriter, and author of two novels, The Hardest Thing in This World and I Don't Think It's That Simple. She earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the NEOMFA consortium. Nancy Drew mysteries were the first books that saved her life. Course Description: YOUR STORY CAN SAVE A LIFE - How many times has a book or a blog saved your self-esteem, your sense of humor, or even your life? Did you ever think that YOUR story has the potential to do that for someone else? Nicole will share some of her life story and of people who have saved her with their stories. This session is for those writing both nonfiction and fiction topics. Bring an example you’d like to share.

Steve Grant is an intellectual property attorney with Standley Law Group, where he practices patent, trademark and copyright law. Additionally, Steve is an adjunct professor at the Capital University Law School, where he teaches intellectual property law and patent law. He is a popular and frequent speaker at this conference, and addresses issues of matters concerning writers. Course Description:ALL ABOUT CONTRACTS & COPYRIGHT ISSUES -Do you have questions about copyrights and contracts? As the ability to publish becomes universal, what impact does this have on the author? How does one deal contractually with the publishing industry? Learn about questions you didn’t realize you had. Bring your own questions, too.

Sandra Gurvis is the author of sixteen commercially published books and hundreds of magazine articles. Among her many titles include Ohio Curiosities,Careers for Nonformists, a biography, ParisHilton, and novel, Country Club Wives. She is currently planning a “Geezerville” series of satires, based in certain Florida retirement “villages.” Course Description: HOW NOT TO WRITE FOR FREE - How do you survive (full or part-time) in a publishing landscape that has changed completely? Even if you are just starting out, this workshop will get you up to speed and boost your freelance income. The work is out there, but it may require a bit of detective work! Sandra will offer strategies, tips and resources for the freelance writer.

Julie Anne Lindsey is a multi-genre author who writes the stories that keep her up at night. Julie has published short stories, novellas, and 16 novels. Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). Julie also writes as Julie Chase. Course Description: ORGANIZING YOUR NOVEL - Have a great idea for a novel? Having trouble getting started? Or finished? Are you lost in the murky middle, or wondering if you’ve included everything you need to make your story the best it can be? Join Julie for a crash course in novel know-how and you’ll be noveling like a pro in no time.

Sandy Petrovic, RN, BSN, CDE shared an amazing life with her son, an individual with autism and Tourette’s. Aspiring to impact the world’s understanding and acceptance of differences, the pair co-authored Expect a Miracle: A Mother/Son Asperger Journey of Determination and Triumph in 2014. After exploring the options, Sandy believed that self-publishing would best meet her goals and needs. Course Description:SELF-PUBLISH YOUR MEMOIR - will present the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing. Sandy will take you step-by-step through her process and experience with her choice of publishing. She will also touch on marketing strategies.

Les Roberts has authored thirty-one books, penned six screenplays, and has written and/or produced more than 2500 hours of network and syndicated television. Falling in love with and moving to Greater Cleveland in 1990, his nineteen Private Eye Milan Jacovich novels are set here. His latest novel is, Speaking of Murder.Course Description: USINGRED HARRINGS IN MYSTERY - Whether it involves mystery and crime or something else, a fictional story needs CONFLICT. The author must supply many hints or suggestions to force the reader to suspect everyone and everything. This is called a "Red Herring," or as Alfred Hitchcock used to call it in all his films, a "Maguffin." Learn how to do it from Les Roberts. (P.S. There's no such word as "maguffin.")

Our Editors:

Judy Allen enjoys helping writers achieve greater critical, commercial, and artistic appeal. She has edited manuscripts for suspense, coming-of-age, short stories, children’s, romance, sports, self-help and social commentary titles. Judy is a marketing consultant and adjunct professor at Lakeland and Tri-C colleges. She is a book reviewer for the Plain Dealer, and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. See her work at www.zoneexcel.com.

Diane Campbell Taylor is a longtime writing coach and editor whose goal is to help others take their writing to the next level. Her editing credits include Mainstream, Young Adult, and Women’s Fiction genres as well as personal essay and memoir. Diane attributes much of her writing success to being an active member of several local and national writers’ groups, including Romance Writers of America and its Northeast Ohio chapter. Course Description – EDITING YOUR MANUSCRIPT – Where to begin? What to look for? From plot structure to punctuation and grammar, discussion will include how to identify and address common manuscript problems. Panel Description: WHY A WRITERS’ GROUP? - Diane will offer tips on how to find a writers’ group or start your own. Talk includes how to maximize your group experience to foster the development of your writing and critiquing skills.

Find your Muse in this lovely historic Bed & Breakfast Inn, located directly on Geneva-On-The-Lake Strip, just across the street from the Lake Erie shore.

Deanna Adams is your host for a weekend filled with motivation, education, and creation in a beautiful relaxing beach atmosphere. Come Friday afternoon and stay until noon on Sunday. Write, relax, learn, and share among the support of fellow writers. All workshops are optional - write whenever you want. It’s your retreat!

Event Schedule:

Friday: Welcome! B&B guests may arrive anytime after 3 p.m. and move into their reserved rooms.

5 - 6 p.m. - Social Hour - Refreshments on the house!

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Pizza Party

7 - 8 p.m. – Building Character: Characters, real or imagined, make the story! Author and retreat founder, Deanna Adams, will provide ways to bring these personalities to life.

8:00 p.m. - Free Time - Write, Rest, or Enjoy Geneva’s nightlife.

Saturday:

10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. – Keynote Speaker: John Ettorre will share what he learned from his friendship with noted American writer and editor, William Zinsser, author of On Writing Well, among others.

Noon - 2 p.m. - Lunch Break. Book Sale. Writing Time. Social Time.

2:00 - 3 p.m. - “Your Story Can Save Someone’s Life,” with Nicole Eva Fraser, Author/Ghost Writer and columnist for Huffington Post.For writers of memoir, other nonfiction, as well as fiction.

To Register: Contact Deanna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Provide your name, address, phone number, email, and preferred room (based on availability). The earlier you register, the better chance of getting the room of your choice.

Deadline for Registration is Friday, February 1, 2016. However, keep in mind that all rooms may be booked by then.

To Register, please EMAIL Coordinator Deanna Adams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or Charge by Phone: (440) 639-7948. Overnight stays only: If charge, please email Deanna first to register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Shelly Costa’s work has been nominated for both the Edgar and Agatha Awards for her mysteries. Shelley Costa’s stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Presents 13 Tales of New American Gothic, The World’s Finest Mystery and Crime Stories, and elsewhere. She has been nominated for an Edgar Award in the Best Short Story category, and she chaired the Best Paperback Original category for the 2011 Edgar Awards. She is the author of The Everything Guide to Edgar Allan Poe, and she has lectured on Poe at various events. She has a PhD in English and is on the faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where she teaches fiction writing and screenwriting.

Workshop Description: "Put a Little Mystery in Your Writing." Does all good fiction explore the mystery of human nature? You don't have to be writing a whodunit to put the special features of the mystery story to good use. Shelley will discuss ways in which complex characters and a devilishly unfolding plot work beautifully across genre lines to create a compelling narrative.

Charlotte Morgan is a veteran reporter, editor, photographer and music critic and adjunct faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College. Workshop Description:The Sense of Place: The memoirist often writes about a place. These recollections of a place at a specific time during your life help to build the identity of the narrator who is different from the writer. In this workshop, Charlotte will help you develop memories about time, place and culture. Write about place and how it teaches your reader about your unique culture—the morals, behaviors, of a family, community, etc.—that in turn develops the identity and voice of your narrator.

Darlene Kelbachis a Registered Yoga Instructor from Cleveland, as well as a poet and singer/songwriter.Workshop Description: Darlene will discuss the benefits of calming the mind, centering, stretching, connecting to inner knowing that is related to writing and creativity. She will include a short writing practice to cleanse the mind of distracting thoughts and clutter to allow clarity of mind and encourage automatic flow of writing.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Author/Journalist,Mike Olszewskiis a veteran Cleveland radio and television personality. Best known for his work at the legendary WMMS-FM, Mike has also hosted and produced programs for many other stations. He teaches media, speech, and communications classes at Kent State University, the University of Akron, and Notre Dame College. His books are Radio Daze: Stories from the Front in Cleveland's FM Air Wars and WIXY 1260: Pixies, Six-Packs and Supermen. His latest book, Cleveland TV Tales (Gray & Company 2014) was co-authored with his wife, Janice. Mike will speak on “The Search for the Real Story.”

Deanna R. Adamsis an award-winning writer, instructor, and author of both fiction and nonfiction books. She is also an event coordinator at Lakeland Community College, as well as director of several annual writers’ retreats. She is currently writing a book for aspiring authors. Course Description: THE ELEMENTS OF STORYTELLING: FICTION & NONFICTION Whether you’re telling a true story or making it up, you need to be entertaining. Deanna will share the key elements of storytelling, then have attendees write the first scene of their story using these elements. Panel Description: MAKING PUBLISHING DECISIONS – Publishing a book is personal, so how do you decide if you should try the traditional route or self-publishing? Deanna will help you weigh the options.

Tammy L. Bailey is a writer of both contemporary and historical romance. Her first book, Lord Bachelor, will be soon published by The Wild Rose Press. A member of the Romance Writers of America,she is currently working on a contemporary Christmas romance called Mistletoe. Her website is, http://www.tammylbailey.com. Course Description – HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN BOOK TRAILER: In today's book world, marketing your novel is essential to boosting sales. Tammy will show you, from start to finish, how to create a professional book trailer to display on your website, share on Facebook, or disperse to the universe on YouTube.

Carole Calladine is on the Northern Ohio regional board for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She is also author of Raising Brothers and Sisters Without Raising the Roof, One Terrific Year, and Second Story Woman. Course Description – WHAT’S NEW IN PICTURE BOOKS: Learn the craft of today’s popular picture books. Carole will share the 32-page picture book dummy and other tools for writing this genre. She will help you work on hooks to hone your book's focus and to make every word count.

Steve Grant is an intellectual property attorney with Standley Law Group in Dublin, Ohio, where he practices patent, trademark and copyright law. Additionally, Steve is an adjunct professor at the Capital University Law School, where he teaches intellectual property law and patent law. He is a popular, frequent speaker at this conference, and addresses issues of matters concerning writers. Course Description – ALL ABOUT CONTRACTS & COPYRIGHT ISSUES:Do you have questions about copyrights and contracts? Learn about questions you didn’t realize you had. As the ability to publish becomes universal, what impact does this have on the author? How does one deal contractually with the publishing industry? Come and find out! Bring questions, too.

Erin O’Brien is the development news editor for Fresh Water Cleveland and freelancer. Her features and essays have appeared in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Plain Dealer and Cleveland Scene. She is also the author of The Irish Hungarian Guide to the Domestic Arts. Visit erinobrien.us for a complete profile. COURSE DESCRIPTION: THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW: Whether the subject is Aunt Hattie for your family memoir, a financial CEO for a glossy feature or the chief of police for the research of your novel-in-the-works, Erin will give tips and direction for getting the most out of an interview. Participants will conduct mini interviews on each other. Panel Description: LEAVING LAS VEGAS: THE AFTERMATH: Erin will contrast her modest writing career to that of her brother, John O’Brien, who took his own life shortly after learning his debut novel, Leaving Las Vegas, was to be made into a film.

Kelly Boyer Sagert is a freelance writer with twelve traditionally published books and three full-length commissioned historical plays. One play, Trail Magic, was turned into a PBS documentary and was released in May 2015. She has also published thousands of pieces of writing in magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias and online venues. Course Description - TURN CREATIVITY INTO CASH: Do you struggle to come up with ideas that make an editor say "yes?" In this workshop, discover how to brainstorm ideas that sell, and "right size" them for their intended purpose (you'll love one tip that can change how you query for good!). Also, learn to create saleable articles and more.

Scott Lax is an award-winning novelist, short story writer, playwright, nonfiction writer, film and television writer and producer, writing teacher, and speaker. His most recent novel is Vengeance Follows​ (Gray & Co. 2014) Course Description: ​EXPRESSIVE WRITING: THE PATH TO BECOMING A BETTER WRITER - “Expressive writing” for both fiction and nonfiction, can help writers of all levels access their deeper talents and significantly improve their writing styles – and even their lives. Join Scott Lax for a session that can increase your skills while giving you a more authentic and expressive writing voice.

​Chantelle Aimée Osman is a freelance editor and published author of mystery flash fiction and short stories. She is also the author of the non-fiction QUICK AND DIRTY GUIDE TO… series on writing. Chantelle teaches writing across the country. Course Description - WRITING THE SCREENPLAY: We’ve all said: “that would make a great movie,” but few of us have had the nerve to sit down and actually try to write it. This workshop provides the fundamentals of formatting a screenplay, as well as some basic tips on the common mistake new screenwriters make and how to avoid them. Course Description - WRITING SHORT STORIES AND FLASH FICTION: Telling a complete story in 7,500 words or less is easy when you create the key points in advance. This workshop will examine the fundamentals of a short fiction, including novella, short story and flash fiction, such as: plot, point of view, setting, character, dialogue, resolution etc. Tap into your automatic creativity with writing exercises. Participants will leave with the complete foundation for a short work of any genre, as well as the knowledge of how to find a market for their work.

Diane Campbell Taylor is a writer and editor who has been involved in writers’ groups for more than 20 years. Panel Description:WHY A WRITERS’ GROUP?: Diane will offer tips on how to find a writers’ group or start one of your own. Discussion includes maximizing your group experience to foster the development of your writing and critiquing skills.

Our Editors

Chantelle Aimée Osman is a freelance editor and president of A Twist of Karma Entertainment, LLC (www.twistofkarma.com), a screenplay and novel editing and consulting company, as well as an Anthony Award nominee and creator of The Sirens of Suspense (www.sirensofsuspense.com) website, which features blogs and interviews by and with mystery, suspense and thriller writers.

Award-winning, professional editor Nancy E. Piazza is a published writer with 26 years of editingexperience, working with aspiring as well as published writers. Nancy’s editing is always well received, as she is down-to-earth and assists writers in a friendly, helpful manner toward achieving their goals of publication. Through her business, Writeperson Ltd.—Western Reserve Editing (www.writeperson.com), she edits novels, short stories, nonfiction books, articles, essays, and letters. Visit her Web site for an up-to-date list of edited books and recommendations.

Diane Campbell Taylor is a longtime writing coach and editor whose goal is to help others take their writing to the next level. Her editing credits include Mainstream, Young Adult, and Women’s Fiction genres as well as personal essay and memoir. Diane attributes much of her writing success to being an active member of several local and national writers’ groups, including Romance Writers of America and its Northeast Ohio chapter.

Deanna R. Adamsis a writer, speaker, and author of both fiction and nonfiction works. Her latest novel is Scoundrels & Dreamers (Soul Mate Publishing, 2014), and she is now working on a nonfiction book for writers based on her popular class, What it Takes To Write A Book – And What it Takes To Sell It. Deanna is also a Lakeland instructor and coordinator of the Western Reserve Writers’ Conference and other events for writers. Her website is, www.deannaadams.com. Course Description – ORGANIZING YOUR NOVEL: CHARACTERS & PLOT: Outlining your novel is a great way to organize both your plot and story structure, as well as your characters’ bios. Deanna will show you how to do it in a way that allows you to change things as your story grows. Course Description – WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY WHEN YOU’RE NOT FAMOUS: You may have a great life story but if you’re not a celebrity, it’s hard to get a traditional publisher. But does that even matter? Discover how to write an interesting book on your life experiences and explore your options at getting it out into the world.

Nicole Eva Fraser is the author of two contemporary novels for women and is ghostwriting the memoir of a survivor of domestic minor sex trafficking. She also runs the ghostwriting service Quotable Women. Nicole has a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the NEOMFA Consortium, and honed her ghostwriting skills through training with veteran ghostwriter Kim Pearson. Course Description - THE ART AND BUSINESS OF GHOSTWRITING: Come for an overview of the ghostwriting profession, including the skills and talents needed, and resources for training, networking, and job opportunities. You will learn how to build a ghostwriting portfolio, get business as an independent contractor, and freelance for a ghostwriting firm. Discover the possibilities!

Alanna Klapp is a freelance writer whose work appears in Moxie Lady, Profiles in Diversity Journal, Lingk2us Magazine, Strategy Magazine, Hope for Women Magazine, She Just Writes, The Suburbanite, and the Cuyahoga Falls Patch. She writes a parenting blog for FE Media called, The FTM Chronicles. She blogs at “The Chipper Writer” and contributes to the Cleveland Browns blog, Bitter Orange & Brown. Course Description - BLOGGING FUNDAMENTALS: TIPS & RESOURCES ON HOW TO START AND MAINTAIN YOUR OWN BLOG - Want to write your own blog but don't know where to start? Alanna will show you how to begin, help you brainstorm blog post ideas, and teach you how to add pictures and media to enhance your writing (for starters).

Jim Kukral is an Internet marketing professional, and serves as a Program Faculty Member for the University of San Francisco’s Internet Marketing Program, where he teaches classes to students around the globe on the topics of Internet marketing, entrepreneurship and social media. Jim is founder of AuthorMarketingClub.com, which provides book marketing tools and training for authors. Course Description – WRITE, PUBLISH, REPEAT: Jim will discuss the methodology for building a successful career as an author in today’s Kindle world. He’ll show examples of authors who are earning a full-time living and what it took for them to get there and how you can do it, too! See more about Jim, visit www.jimkukral.com.

Judy Irvin Kuns holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her first middle grade novel, While You Were Out (Dutton, 2004), was a Junior Library Guild Selection and winner of the 2005 Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers. Judy has also been published in Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty and Children's Digest magazines. An excerpt from her pre-published middle-grade novel, The Family Of Things, was short-listed for the Katherine Paterson Prize. Judy is a long-time member of SCBWI. Course Description - WRITING FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS: Every draft has a spark. The key to fanning that spark into flame lies in asking the right questions. What made this character do that? What kind of family life does that character have that would cause him to react that way? What is the central problem here? What must he/she overcome? And of course, the ultimate question, "What if....?"

Marsha McGregor’s personal essays and opinion pieces have appeared in publications such as ThePhiladelphia Inquirer, Boston Herald, NPR, The Kenyon Review Online, Brain, Child Magazine, Fourth Genre, Zone 3, Ascent, Literary Mama, and three anthologies. Her essays are frequently published in Cleveland Magazine. She was a Peter Taylor Fellow for the Kenyon Review Writing Workshop. Marsha teaches writing workshops throughout northeast Ohio. Some of her work can be read at www.marshamcgregor.com. COURSE DESCRIPTION - EDITING AND REVISING YOUR WORK: Once the first draft is down, the writer begins shaping words into art. Learn how to refine and tighten your manuscripts, and how to work with eight facets of the polishing process that make stories shine: structure, voice, pacing, point of view, characterization, language, dialogue and narrative arc.

Sunny McClellan Morton is an award-winning writer, editor and popular lecturer. She is a Contributing Editor and columnist for Family Tree Magazine; Contributing Editor and Book Club moderator for the Genealogy Gems podcast and website; and Editor of Ohio GenealogyNews. Book credits include My Life & Times: A Guided Journal for Collecting Your Stories and soon-to-be-published How to Find Your Family History in Church Records. Course Description: POWERFUL WORDS MAKE POWERFUL PROSE: Powerful prose is lean and muscular. Every word pulls its own weight! In this workshop, you’ll start with core strengthening to power up your verbs. Next, you’ll boost your sentence structure’s energy and momentum. Then, some resistance training: resist those flabby adjectives and adverbs! Finally, you’ll learn to adjust your writing workout for the type of “body” you’re after, whether it’s a heavy-lifting technical manual, slim-but-strong ad copy or toned-and-smooth consumer prose.

J. Thorn is a Top 100 Most Popular Author in Horror, Science Fiction, Action & Adventure and Fantasy (Amazon Author Rank). In March of 2014 Thorn held the #5 position in Horror alongside his childhood idols Dean Koontz and Stephen King (at #4 and #2 respectively). He is an official, active member of the Horror Writers Association and a member of the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. For more, go to http://jthorn.net. Course Description – CORE ELEMENTS OF FICTION: Good genre fiction share many core elements. Learn how to take advantage of traditional storytelling techniques while creating a unique experience for the reader. Join J. Thorn as he shares practical and useful strategies for writing a novel.

Our Editors

Elizabeth Irwin has more than 20 years’ experience in writing, editing, marketing and voiceover work. A freelance editor and consultant since 2007, she’s worked with writers of many genres to fine-tune their manuscripts before seeking publication or representation, as well as assisted with book jacket copy and query letters. Elizabeth has also taught writing-related classes at Owens Community College, including “Blogging Basics,” “Writing Short,”and “Writing Family History.”

Judy Allen enjoys helping writers’ achieve greater critical, commercial, and artistic appeal. She has edited manuscripts for suspense, coming-of-age, short stories, contemporary Christian, romance, sports, self-help and social commentary titles. Judy is a marketing consultant, and adjunct professor at Lakeland and Tri-C colleges. She is a book reviewer for the Plain Dealer, and member of the National Book Critics Circle. Examples of her editing guidelines and book reviews are at www.excellencezone.com.

Diane Campbell Taylor is a longtime writing coach and editor whose goal is to help others take their writing to the next level. Her editing credits include Mainstream, Young Adult, and Women’s Fiction as well as personal essays and memoir. Diane attributes much of her writing success to being an active member of several local and national writers’ groups, including Romance Writers of America.

Find your Muse in this lovely historic Bed & Breakfast Inn, located directly on Geneva-On-The-Lake Strip, just across the street from the Lake Erie shore.

Deanna Adams is your host for a weekend filled with motivation, education, and creation in a beautiful relaxing beach atmosphere. Come Friday afternoon and stay until noon on Sunday. Write, relax, learn, and share among the support of fellow writers. All workshops are optional - write whenever you want. It’s your retreat!

NOW BOOKING!

Event Schedule:

Friday: Welcome! B&B guests may arrive anytime after 3 p.m. and move into their reserved rooms.

5 - 6 p.m. - Social Hour - Refreshments on the house!

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Pizza Party

7 - 8 p.m. – Climbing out of “The Trenches”: Author and retreat founder, Deanna Adams will get you unstuck in your work-in-progress and back on the highway to completion!

To Register: Contact Deanna at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Provide your name, address, phone number, email, and preferred room (based on availability). The earlier you register, the better chance of getting the room of your choice.